Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Wood (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 7. Page 511, Entry 16. Pronounced cai. Shuowen Jiezi (Dictionary of Explaining and Analyzing Characters): It refers to a straight piece of wood. Xu Xuan states: It refers to wood that is sturdy, straight, and suitable for use. Mencius (Mengzi): Timber cannot be used up. Also in the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Earth Officer: The official in charge of collection gathers coarse materials. Commentary: Materials refer to the fruits of trees, such as hazelnuts and chestnuts. Also in the Rites of Zhou, Winter Officer, Record of Trades: The five materials are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Also, the six materials are: the woodworker, the metalworker, the leatherworker, the painter, the polisher, and the potter. Also in the Duties of the Grand Preceptor: The various artisans organize the eight materials: pearls, ivory, jade, stone, earth, metal, leather, and feathers. Also the same as the word for talent. Book of Documents (Shangshu): In appointing officials, one should only use those who are worthy and talented. Also interchangeable with the word for wealth. Mencius (Mengzi): There are those who provide wealth. Also refers to natural disposition or quality. Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong): One must act according to their aptitude and encourage them. Also in Jiyun (Rhymes of the Era): Pronounced zai. It refers to materials or tools. Also rhyming with qi. Liu Xiang, Biographies of Exemplary Women (Lienü Zhuan): The wife went to advise the Duke, laying out her ability and accomplishments, listing her hardships. The Duke then released him. Textual Research: Regarding the term for the potter, based on the original text of the Rites of Zhou, it has been corrected from the original to the term for potter. Regarding the various artisans and the eight materials, based on the original text of the Rites of Zhou, the phrasing has been corrected to reflect the standard version.